Think we’ll be a one and done team after this year?

[OptimisticFan]

10-2, losses to Bama and FL.

 

[sona]

I think OP has a dark cloud that follows them around and they can't wait to share their worries and trepidations on this site.

 

[utvols74]

We need to improve our defensive side of the ball. Would love to recruit defensive players who could start their freshman year. Other schools always seem to find 1-2 on both sides of the ball. Would enjoy UT being able to do so as well.

 

[clarencepeabody]

Heck man, most expected 10-2 at best this year

Isn’t it great when 10-2 is a “step back”?

 

[volinSmyrna]

It's amazing to say, but 9-3 is the floor now. Anything less than that is disappointing (don't read that as anybody needs to be fired). We are a legit player in the upper echelon now. I don't see that slipping out of our grasp as long as CJH is calling plays.

 

[farmdogvol]

They are losing a lot on defense, help from the portal would be nice. Losing a lot of leadership on D with McCullough, Banks and Flowers leaving. Heard that players were telling Barion Brown to transfer from UK.

 

[NeverWe'llSever]

9 wins next year, probably. But who knows.

 

[Voltopia]

If Tennessee is for real - that is, if it's on the upswing - then we won't take a huge step back. 9 or 10 wins ... or more? (knock on wood, we haven't won 9 or 10 yet this year either). The game-changing coaching staffs sustain momentum from year 2 (the breakout) to year 3 (the sustainment and growth). You either keep it up, or you get a Mel Tucker situation. I don't think for a second we have a Mel Tucker situation though. The challenge for Heupel will be staff continuity, recruiting wins from this year's momentum, and keep the offensive fireworks going with Milton, Jackson, and Iamaleava while getting the defense what it needs to improve.

 

[Orangepantsforever]

No one will ever have the continued success that Bama had had since ‘08. That is unprecedented in the sport……so I don’t think we’ll be there. However, I do believe 9 wins will be the floor, with frequent opportunities for championships.

 

[Woodlawn VOL]

The question is are we are one and done team. If your implying we are going to go back to the back of the sec we are not. Tennessee will be competitive year in and out for the foreseeable future. We will win our share over the next several years. That doesn’t mean that we will win the East or sec every year but it means we will contend for the East and be at least a top 20 year in and out and many years much better. We are going to win more than we lose. GBO!

 

[Jeff Clark]

No one will ever have the continued success that Bama had had since ‘08. That is unprecedented in the sport……so I don’t think we’ll be there. However, I do believe 9 wins will be the floor, with frequent opportunities for championships.

The situation between Tennessee and Georgia in the SEC East now is like it was for Tennessee and Florida from 1990-2001.

 

[volfan2024]

I’m thinking we could hit ten total wins next year .

 

[GVol1966]

Heck man, most expected 10-2 at best this year

No . Most expected 9-3 at best. 2 sure losses and at least 1 out of the 4 ( Pitt, UF, LSU and UK)

 

[Volanooga2521]

Or will we be as successful next year?

9-3 or 10-2. This offensive system makes it very hard to lose to teams who we are more talented than. So, A&M, UF, UGA and Bama are only toss-up games next year, and I would probably favor us at home to A&M, and we can probably split UF and Bama on the road.

 

[GVol1966]

9 wins next year, probably. But who knows.

Will largely depend on QB play .
Unrealistic to expect it to be as good.

 

[Concept]

I expect improvement across the board. Next season may not be as special, and may not meet some of the highs we have already enjoyed, but will probably be a better overall team.

 

[Orangepantsforever]

The situation between Tennessee and Georgia in the SEC East now is like it was for Tennessee and Florida from 1990-2001.

Yes. And I can see a bit of a power shift coming. Maybe between us and UGA for the whole league, much like UA and UGA the last few years.
We’ve got to recruit and retain some coaches though.

 

[VolBricks]

I agree with everything everyone has posted. My BIGGEST concern is keeping the coaching staff together, they have proven they can teach the game and that matters.

 

[Orange931]

I fully expect us to take a step back next season...9-3 or 10-2 at best.
Milton is good, but just doesn't have all the tools Hooker has and Jackson and Nico won't be ready yet.

That said - look out for 2024...we will dominate everyone we play and it will be EPIC.

We can’t say for certain if Nico won’t be ready. Many Freshman have came into programs all over the country and were ready.

 

[VolMarine1371]

Or will we be as successful next year?

Looking at next year schedule, I think we are 9-3 to 10-2 and headed to New Years 6 bowl.

 

[Woodlawn VOL]

No . Most expected 9-3 at best. 2 sure losses and at least 1 out of the 4 ( Pitt, UF, LSU and UK)

After this year there is never for sure losses. GBO

 

[TnVol!]

Beat Missouri!

 

[Zues1]

No . Most expected 9-3 at best. 2 sure losses and at least 1 out of the 4 ( Pitt, UF, LSU and UK)

Whatever, we saw both tossed around.

 

[Vol in Buckeye Land]

Some thought we would take a step back this year. I think Milton will be just fine. He’s basically been apprenticed to Hendon for the last two years and is incredibly talented. He’s also another super-senior, mature guy who’s been around the block.

It will be key to get at least a solid offensive tackle in the portal, and ideally at least one guard as well. Hopefully Nichols is ready next year to fill Carvin’s shoes, and Spraggins decides to stay one more year. JJ and Mincey need to improve. We could also really use an elite transfer at running back. I think Wright could be a top shelf guy in his third year, but we need depth there. Jabari is a good back, but someone needs to beat him out for the starting spot for this offense to take the next step.

I think we’ll see more improvement from the defense next year, which may be sufficient to offset losses on the other side of the ball. I’d say anywhere from O/U 10 wins, and I’d take the over.

 

[BigALWiLson]

Another Golden Nugget thread title